McInnes Left Frustrated as Rangers' Winless Start Continues

Derek McInnes is feeling the heat. Three games into his reign as Rangers manager, he is still searching for that elusive first victory. Their latest outing ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian, a result that left the former Aberdeen boss convinced his side deserved more. To compound matters, big-money striker Youssef Chermiti limped off with an injury, adding to the worries at Ibrox.

What happened

Rangers pushed forward from the start but found themselves behind as Hibernian took their chance. A spirited second-half response brought a goal and plenty of pressure, yet the visitors held on to claim all three points. McInnes was visibly frustrated after the final whistle, feeling key moments went against his team.

The loss leaves Rangers winless in three competitive fixtures under their new boss. With expectations at Ibrox always sky-high, the pressure is already building. Chermiti's injury only deepens the concern, particularly given the striker was seen as a central figure in the club's attacking plans.

The McInnes dilemma

This is not unfamiliar territory for McInnes. He spent years earning a reputation as one of Scottish football's sharpest tacticians during his successful spells at Kilmarnock and Aberdeen. At Pittodrie he regularly overachieved, taking the Dons to cup finals and challenging the Old Firm for silverware.

But Rangers demand more than competitiveness. They demand trophies, and these early results suggest there is serious work to be done. McInnes inherited a squad in transition after a turbulent summer, and he will need time to implement his ideas. The question is whether he gets it, with the Ibrox support notoriously impatient when form dips.

Chermiti's absence forces a rethink in attack. Without a recognised focal point, McInnes will have to adjust his setup, but he remains defiant, pointing to the performances as evidence that results will eventually improve.

What it means

Three games without a win is not a catastrophe, but it is a warning sign. Rangers have yet to gel as a unit, and the upcoming fixtures offer no respite. McInnes knows he needs a victory soon, both to ease the external pressure and to keep the season on track. A positive result in the next match would soothe nerves and allow the rebuilding process to continue without the noise growing louder.

The immediate focus will be on recovering Chermiti and tightening the defence after a shaky opening to the campaign. McInnes has faced setbacks before, and he has always found a way to respond. The belief within the dressing room is that the tide will turn. The clock is ticking, but there is still time for this Rangers side to find its rhythm and prove the doubters wrong.